This guidance is for government, industry and commerce, the NHS and all those whose actions affect the population’s attitude to – and use of – alcohol. This includes commissioners, managers and practitioners working in:

Alcohol-related harm is a major health problem. The guidance identifies how government policies on alcohol pricing, its availability and how it is marketed could be used to combat such harm (see recommendation 1 to 3). Changes in policy in these areas is likely to be more effective in reducing alcohol-related harm among the population as a whole than actions undertaken by local health professionals.

The recommendations for practice (recommendations 4 to 12) support, complement – and are reinforced by – these policy options. They cover:

Licensing.

Resources for identifying and helping people with alcohol-related problems.

Children and young people aged 10 to 15 years – assessing their ability to consent, judging their alcohol use, discussion and referral to specialist services.

Young people aged 16 and 17 years – identification, offering motivational support or referral to specialist services.